On August 28, Berlin hosted the Day of Russian Germans, “Traces of the Past, Paths to the Future,” dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the beginning of the deportation of Russian Germans in the Soviet Union. The event was organised by Riwwel gUG in partnership with WIR.DE Aktive Nachbarn gUG. More than 150 people attended, including Russian Germans from different generations as well as residents of Germany interested in the history and culture of Russian Germans.

Throughout the day, guests had the opportunity not only to learn more about history, but also to literally engage with it. The programme included a museum and book exhibition, the “Familiengeschichte in Textilien” exhibition, a digital map documenting the history of deportation and the labour army, a historical information stand, quizzes, a mini embroidery workshop, a cooking workshop featuring Riwwelkuchen and traditional potato salad, as well as a bar serving drinks based on recipes from Russian German traditions.

A separate interactive area was the WIR sind Europa station by WIR.DE, featuring the Wahl-O-Mat, a Europe Quiz and a Values Test. Guests could compare their political positions with those of parties ahead of the Berlin elections, test their knowledge of unusual European traditions and reflect on European values.

The central part of the programme consisted of two panel discussions focusing on the past, present and future of Russian Germans. The discussions explored how deportation, the labour army and resettlement continue to affect different generations, what unites Russian Germans today, how culture can be preserved and passed on, and what place it occupies in contemporary Germany.

The discussions featured Dr Bernd Fabritius, Alisha Gamisch, Ella Schindler, Dara Kossok-Spies, Maria Hasenkampf and Nikita Heidt. The discussions were moderated by journalist Valeria Dobralskaya. A recording of the livestream is available here: YouTube livestream of the Day of Russian Germans.

The panel discussions were complemented by a historical overview presented by historian Dr Vladislav Kurske, as well as musical performances by Helena Gold and ZAVET.
After the discussions, guests continued their conversations in the Biergarten. A raffle with books and prizes from the organisers and project partners was held, while participants had the opportunity to enjoy some food, meet friends and simply spend time together.

The day was not only an opportunity to remember tragic chapters of history, but also a space where family memory met the present, and where conversations about the past led to questions about what we want to preserve and pass on to future generations.

Thank you to all the guests, participants, partners and volunteers who made this day possible.